Vermont delegation calling bluff on Trump’s budget threat

8/29/17 2:45 PM

MONTPELIER, Vt. — All three members of Vermont’s congressional delegation are opposed to President Donald Trump’s suggestion he will shut down the federal government if Congress does not include money to construct a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico.

Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations committee, calls the suggestion “juvenile,” saying it would cost billions of dollars every day to shut down the government. Vermont Public Radio reports (http://bit.ly/2vBcvXu ) Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders says he doesn’t think the GOP will support the president’s stance.

Democratic Rep. Peter Welch says shutting down the government could have dire consequences.

Trump has said he will not sign a budget resolution that doesn’t include spending for the border wall.

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